Instant messaging is becoming a platform for applications and services that range beyond what you might consider its traditional chat-like environment. Microsoft’s Hailstorm makes instant messaging a legitimate platform that integrates .NET services. In the open source world, Jabber has emerged as an alternative XML-based messaging environment that can be used as a P2P platform by developers. What does an open instant messaging platform offer that its proprietary competition does not? What kinds of applications are being built with Jabber and how is it gaining acceptance within the enterprise?